Friday, November 19, 2010

Yellow-headed Blackbird

This juvenile (female? pretty sure it's a male juvenile)Yellow-headed Blackbird was a little confused. He was hanging out in White Sands, New Mexico, which is a little different than his usual haunts (freshwater wetlands). He decided to stop in a gypsum sand desert void of water. Interesting decision. But he seemed to be making do, trying to forage on seed (check out the last photo) from what little vegetation there was. I was glad to see he was gone in the morning, he probably took off for his wintering grounds sometime during the night. He was a welcome surprise though - White Sands isn't necessarily thriving with birds. And YHBLs are pretty cool. Shadow ShotCamera CrittersSOOCBird Photography WeeklyMellow Yellow

How delightful that he chose where you were to take a much needed break from his travels. Beautifil little chap, I had not seen any images of them on here from anyone ever, so a new bird to have viewed. Have a great weekend~

Great photos! White Sands isn't too far from the many refuges along the Rio Grande, maybe he/she wandered a little, looking for a change of scenery. I do that a lot, and being freom Northern Wisconsin, New Mexico has been on my list of places to go in the long cold clutches of Winter. I've been traveling there for over 20 years. I'll look for your friend.

I've never seen a yellow-headed blackbird before, even in pictures. Thank you. It almost looks like sunset is reflecting off the cutie bird, rather than the color being part of it. Awesome! The bird and your photos.